Navratri fasting and feasting: 9 days, 9 easy, wholesome recipes to indulge in

Navratri, one of India’s most widely celebrated festivals, is a time for devotion, dancing, and revelry. The festival is also known for fasting, a practice that holds deep spiritual significance. During this nine-day festival, many people abstain from regular meals and focus on simple, sattvic (pure) food to cleanse their bodies and minds, helping them connect more deeply with the divine energy of Goddess Durga. Fasting during Navratri is seen as a way to practice self-control, purify the mind, and rejuvenate the body.

While the religious roots of fasting remain strong, modern life has blended this ancient practice with a focus on health and wellness. Fasting helps reset the digestive system, detoxifies the body, and can contribute to better mental clarity. By including wholesome, nutrient-rich ingredients, you can enjoy Navratri with tasty yet healthy recipes that are both satisfying and light on the body.

Here are 9 easy and wholesome recipes to try during the fasting days:

• Sabudana khichdi: Sabudana khichdi is one of the most popular dishes during Navratri. Made with tapioca pearls, peanuts, and mild spices, this dish is light, nutritious, and easy to prepare. Simply soak the sabudana for a few hours, toss it with roasted peanuts, and sauté with cumin seeds, curry leaves, and chopped green chilies for a crunchy, flavourful treat.

• Singhara atta cheela: A savoury, gluten-free pancake made from singhara atta (water chestnut flour), this cheela is a great option for a quick and filling meal. Mix singhara atta with water, cumin seeds, and rock salt. Add finely chopped vegetables like tomatoes, spinach, coriander and green chilies. Cook on a tawa with a little ghee for a crispy, golden pancake.

• Kuttu ka cheela: For a lighter, crispy option, try kuttu (buckwheat) chillas. The batter is made from kuttu flour and boiled potatoes, mixed with water and rock salt. Add finely chopped chillies and coriander to it. Spread the batter thin on a hot pan, much like a traditional dosa. Pair with a coconut or mint chutney made from fasting-approved ingredients.

• Lauki ki sabzee: Lauki (bottle gourd) is one of the most hydrating and nutritious vegetables, making it ideal for fasting days. Cut the lauki into small pieces and boil until tender. In a pan, heat ghee and add cumin seeds, green chilies, and rock salt for seasoning. Once they crackle, add finely chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften. Then, add the boiled lauki and saute for a few minutes until all the flavors blend together. This dish is light and satisfying; perfect for staying nourished during your fast.

• Rajgira puri: Rajgira puris are a favourite during fasting. The puris are made using amaranth (rajgira) flour mixed with boiled potatoes, a pinch of rock salt, and water to form a dough. Roll the dough into small puris and deep-fry until golden. These puris are both filling and delicious, perfect with any Navratri vegetable dish.

• Sama rice pulao: Wash the sama rice (barnyard millet) thoroughly and soak it for 30 minutes. In a pressure cooker, heat some ghee and saute finely chopped potatoes, tomatoes, and green chilies until they soften. Then, add the soaked sama rice and mix well. Season with rock salt and chili powder according to taste. Add water in the proportion of 1:2 (rice to water) and pressure cook for 3-4 whistles until the rice is cooked through. Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot. This light and delicious pulao is perfect for fasting days, keeping you full and satisfied.

• Aloo paneer tikki: Aloo paneer tikki is a simple yet delicious snack. Mash boiled potatoes and paneer (cottage cheese), season with rock salt and cumin powder, and shape them into small cutlets. Pan-fry the tikkis in ghee until crispy and golden on both sides. Serve with fasting-friendly chutney.

• Makhana kheer: For those with a sweet tooth, makhana (fox nuts or lotus seeds) kheer is a perfect fasting dessert. Roast makhanas lightly, then simmer them in milk, flavoured with cardamom, saffron, and a touch of jaggery. This rich, creamy dessert is light on the stomach yet indulgent enough to satisfy dessert cravings.

• Coconut ladoo: For an easy-to-make sweet treat, coconut ladoos are a great option. Simply combine grated coconut with condensed milk or jaggery, and form the mixture into small ladoos. You can also add chopped nuts like almonds or cashews for added crunch. These ladoos are delicious and also packed with energy for the long fasting days.